Chief Minister K Rosaiah, on Monday, congratulated the Horticulture Department officials for receiving the 'National Award for Best Horticulture State - 2010'.
Felicitating the Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture, the director of Horticulture and the officials of the Department of Horticulture, for successful implementation of the programs, Rosaiah said that Andhra Pradesh had been awarded the State Horticulture Leadership award 2010 for its outstanding policy initiatives and performance in Horticulture development by the Committee of National Agriculture Leadership Awards 2010.
Rosaiah said, "Andhra Pradesh, with an impressive area of 19.91 lakh ha and a strong production of 205.26 lakh MTs, accounts for 29.59% of output under spices and 17% of production under fruits in the country. The State also leads in the production of oil palm, lime/ lemon, Papaya, Sweet Orange, Chillies and Turmeric in the country.
The State has promoted the creation of post-harvest infrastructure to match the enhanced production levels. An exclusive University was established for Horticulture in the state in 2007. To strengthen the means of technology transfer, 8 Regional Horticulture Training Institutes were established.
The government has focussed attention on the need for efficient water use, and has enhanced assistance on MI systems to 100% for SC/ ST farmers and 90% for other farmers. Andhra Pradesh endeavors to take development to the doorsteps of BPL families by providing sustainable income through the NREGS-Horticulture convergence program.
To keep track of the progressing sector and to exploit its potential, the government has come up with a pilot project on horticulture census.
With the initiatives of the government, the sector is marching ahead and is poised to play an important role in achieving accelerated and inclusive growth for the State's economy.